Near Wallacetown in Elgin County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Ellis Wellwood Sifton, V.C.

1891 - 1917

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 27, 2024

1. Ellis Wellwood Sifton, V.C. Marker

Inscription. Born and educated in Walllacetown, Sifton joined the 18th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, in October, 1914. During the Canadian attack on Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, his company was held up by the fire of a German machine gun. Lance-Sergeant Sifton charged it single handed killed the crew and held the position against enemy counter attack until his comrades arrived. In carrying out his gallant act he was killed, but his conspicuous valour undoubtedly saved many lives and contributed largely to the success of the operation. The British Empire’s highest award for military valour, the Victoria Cross, was awarded posthumously to Ellis Sifton.

Erected by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Erected by Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1917.

Location. 42° 36.415′ N, 81° 26.428′ W. Marker is near Wallacetown, Ontario,

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in Elgin County. It is at the intersection of Lakeview Line (County Road 8) and Currie Road, on the right when traveling west on Lakeview Line (County Road 8). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 29625 County Rd 8, Wallacetown ON N0L 2M0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Southwest Ontario Area

and in Southwestern Ontario.

It is also in Central Canada.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: St. Peter’s Church 1827 (within shouting distance of this marker); Raids on the Talbot Settlement, 1814 (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Tyrconnell (approx. 2 kilometers away); Col. Thomas Talbot (approx. 7.1 kilometers away); The Talbot Settlement / La Colonie de Talbot (approx. 7.1 kilometers away); John Kenneth Galbraith (approx. 7.9 kilometers away);

Photographed by Tim Boyd, July 27, 2024

2. Ellis Wellwood Sifton, V.C. Marker

Burwell’s Corners (approx. 9.4 kilometers away); Col. Mahlon Burwell (approx. 9.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wallacetown.

Also see . . . WW1 Canadian VC recipient Ellis Wellwood Sifton.

His citation reads:

“For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During the attack in enemy trenches Sjt. Sifton’s company was held up by machine gun fire which inflicted many casualties. Having located the gun he charged it single-handed, killing all the crew. A small enemy party advanced down the trench, but he succeeded in keeping these off till our men had gained the position. He was killed just as he returned with the second man. In carrying out this gallant act he was killed, but his conspicuous valour undoubtedly saved many lives and contributed largely to the success of the operation.”

(Submitted on August 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Ellis Wellwood Sifton, V.C. image. Click for full size.

ca 1915

3. Ellis Wellwood Sifton, V.C.

Source: Elgin County Archives (public domain)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 6, 2024, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.